Decided to make a different post for those who asked for tips on my previous one for others to see. 

PROFILE:

25 years old.
Freelance graphic designer.
Female.
Solo traveler.


Did you have previous travel experience when you applied for your first Schengen visa?

— NO. My first international travel is Belgium. 


Did you get a travel agency?

— NO. All DIY.


For context, my first Schengen visa (from Belgium) is a sponsored visit visa because I stayed at my aunt’s house for a couple of days even though it was all funded by me. Required kasi na under sponsored visa pa rin kahit accommodation lang sila.

All of my other visas are self-funded, tourist visas.


First thing to do is search for your preferred country’s requirement checklist. This country should be one where you’re staying the longest OR, if equal days with other countries, this country is your point of entry.


• PROOF OF TIES:

1. Deed of Sale for a Farm Lot

2. Rental Agreement 

3. Grandmother’s Senior ID

4. Braces

5. SSS contributions and PAG-IBIG


• PROOF OF FINANCES

1. SEABANK (500K ADB) AND MAYA BANK CERTIFICATES 

2. 6-MONTH BANK STATEMENTS


• PROOF OF OCCUPATION

1. As a freelancer, NO COE & LOA. I submitted client contract and Upwork Profile.

2. Instead of payslips, I submitted invoices.



IS ITR IMPORTANT? CAN I APPLY WITHOUT ITR?

— YES, it is important. BUT, you can apply without one. Two of my first visas are without ITR pa (something I’m not proud of). The first two took more than a month to process. My last two are with ITR na and my passport got back to me within 4 days and 8 days na lang. So having one strengthens your application, but it is still very much possible to get approved without one.


I hope this helps. Feel free to send more questions. Will answer them on my free time!










Being able to travel the world is a win, so I want to share to you tips on how I got approved for a UK Visa and 3 Schengen visas within a year at 25.